I know I blew my college acceptance out of proportion, but many don’t know it meant the world to me. My high school class was filled with competitors wanting the top 10. I struggled a little bit to keep up, but I worked hard for my accomplishments. When I was applying for colleges I was told that students from my school don’t go to schools like the one I currently attend. Those words made me doubt where I should go to college, and gave me low self-esteem about my academics.
Senior year, I was rejected to all of my dream colleges, and I was crushed. All my friends were headed to Texas A&M, out of state or somewhere they absolutely loved. I was overjoyed for all of them, but I felt out of place. Everyone was talking about their future roommates, how excited they were to move away, and living the freshman life.
My first college year was spent at home, driving back and forth to my college. I unquestionably loved being close to family and friends, but was ready to start a new journey. So I searched “best journalism schools in Texas,” and applied for the search results: Texas A&M University and Southern Methodist University. I literally bawled my eyes out when I received my TAMU acceptance letter and was hoping the SMU letter would follow.
I first received my SMU acceptance through email, and didn’t tell my family until I received the official letter a week later. I made a huge sign and videotaped my family’s reaction when I told them about my acceptance. Even years later, I watch the video and have more pride than I did on that day. Months after my college acceptance, I posted around-the-clock about my academics, making sure nobody would forget where I was going.
Understandably, I know it was bothersome to all my social media followers, but I had good intentions. I rarely showed off my successes, and being accepted into a prestigious private university is a big deal. I also desired to prove to those that told me “Caddo Mills students like me don’t go to schools like that” wrong.
Bragging is never OK and particularly for a subject like college acceptance. I have been there being rejected and having my dreams crushed, but the sensation of being wanted at a college is tremendous. It was a one-time event to boast about myself, but it was worth it.
